The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Adolpho D. Villanueba (ASN: 38032655), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 83d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, attached to the 3d Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 24 December 1944. When the enemy approached his company’s position within grenade range, Private First Class Villanueba asked permission to go forward to man a machine gun from which the intense enemy fire had forced the crew to withdraw. He and another soldier advanced to the machine gun under heavy fire from enemy artillery and small arms, and drove the enemy from its position. Then, in utter disregard for their own safety, they picked up the machine gun and moved to another position where they could fire on the retreating enemy. The action of Private Villanueba was mainly responsible for repulsing the enemy attack on his company. Private First Class Villanueba’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.